Are you shopping for a fuel-sipping hybrid? Odds are you’ve got the 2021 Toyota Prius on your list. Maybe you’re considering checking out the 2021 Kia Niro too. But is this year’s Niro really a better pick than the Toyota Prius? After all, the Toyota Prius is probably one of the most iconic hybrid vehicles available. 

The 2021 Toyota Prius is the more reliable option of the two

No one wants to buy an unreliable car. Why would they? Fortunately, the Toyota Prius is known for being reliable. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 model earned itself a five out of five predicted reliability ratings. That’s not the first time the Prius has earned such a high reliability rating either. In fact, Consumer Reports has given most model years a perfect score when it comes to reliability.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the 2021 Kia Niro. While Consumer Reports gave the Prius a perfect predicted reliability rating, this year’s new Kia Niro only earned a three out of five predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports. That rating shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, though. Based on Consumer Reports’ data, the Kia Niro has struggled with reliability for several years. 

The 2021 Kia Niro isn’t available with all-wheel drive

Now, odds are you’re shopping for a hybrid because you want to make the most out of every gallon that you put into your next vehicle. But if you need a fuel-sipping hybrid that also offers year-round capabilities? Then consider the Toyota Prius. Unlike this year’s Kia Niro, the Toyota Prius is available with all-wheel drive.

But let’s get back to fuel efficiency. Because if you’re buying a hybrid in hopes of making the most out of every gallon, then the Prius remains the better choice. In fact, the EPA reports that the 2021 Toyota Prius can deliver an EPA-estimated 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. But the Kia Niro? Well, the EPA reports that this year’s model was only able to manage an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. 

You’ll enjoy driving the 2021 Toyota Prius more than the Kia Niro

The Toyota Prius isn’t just a fuel-efficient alternative to the Kia Niro. According to Consumer Reports, chances are you’ll enjoy driving the Prius more than its Kia competition. The Prius not only earned a higher score in road tests but, according to Consumer Reports, the Prius offers up “sufficient oomph” and “sound handling with prompt reflexes.”

As for the Kia Niro? Consumer Reports says that this year’s new Kia Niro “suffers from an initial delay off the line.” Consumer Reports added that the Kia Niro “feels reluctant through corners, denying the driver a feeling of confidence and control, and it was unimpressive through our avoidance maneuver.” According to Consumer Reports, its ride can also get noticeable choppy on bumpy pavement, and its braking performance wasn’t all that impressive.

Does this year’s new Prius deserve a spot in your driveway?

There are several reasons why you should choose the 2021 Prius over its Kia competition. But when it comes to finding out if this year’s new Prius actually deserves a spot in your driveway? Well, that’s going to take a test drive.